Obituary of Lillian DeMattia

Lillian Rose DeMattia, n?e Ianieri, formerly of Massapequa, NY, was born in Endicott NY on May 6, 1920 to the late Rafael and Mary (Picciano) Ianieri. She died at home on August 31, 2018 with her daughter and caregiver Linda Underwood by her side. Lillian was pre-deceased by her husband Frank Sr., her son Frank Jr., an infant son, her granddaughter Jenna DeMattia, her sisters Madeline Rizzuto and Teresa Ianiari and brother Carmine Ianieri. She is survived by her sisters Anita Barkley of Huntingdon PA and Lorraine Barnabee of West Sayville NY; her daughter Linda Underwood of Castleton NY, her son Leonard of Denver CO; her son Gregory (DonnaRae) of Rancho Santa Margarita CA; grandchildren Kimberly Schneider (Kevin), of Scottsdale AZ, Brant Underwood (Kathleen), of Hawthorne NY, Gwenn Toporek (Andrew), of Colonie NY, William Pillette of Lake Forest CA; great-grandchildren Hannah DeMattia, Brysen and Alec Schneider, Colter Underwood; and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and caring home health aides. Lillian was the oldest Democratic Committee Member in Rensselaer County and was proud she cast her first vote for FDR. She was employed as a telephone operator, working in the 1940s for Bell Laboratories, the Daily News, United Artists, and for the US Government during WWII. She retired in 1989 from Brunswick Hospital on Long Island. Lillian was beloved for her sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. Calling hours are on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 from 4 until 7 p.m. at Rockefeller Funeral Home, East Greenbush, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Castleton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Lillian's name to The Community Hospice Rensselaer, NY or the Castleton Volunteer Ambulance, both of which gave her compassionate and loving care when she was most in need.